chapter 3 lecture

Flashcards summarizing key concepts related to biological macromolecules, their structures, functions, and importance.

What is lactose intolerance associated with?

A lack of the enzyme lactase, which is needed to digest lactose in milk and dairy products.

What are organic compounds primarily based on?

Carbon.

What are the four major classes of biological macromolecules?

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

What are monomers?

Building blocks that combine to form polymers.

What is a dehydration reaction?

A reaction where two molecules combine, releasing a water molecule.

What is the primary function of carbohydrates?

Energy storage and supply in living organisms.

What are polysaccharides?

Carbohydrate polymers made up of long chains of monosaccharides.

What distinguishes saturated fats from unsaturated fats?

Saturated fats contain no double bonds and are fully saturated with hydrogen; unsaturated fats have one or more double bonds.

What is the basic structure of a lipid?

Composed of glycerol and fatty acids.

What is a phospholipid?

A type of lipid that has a hydrophilic head and two hydrophobic tails, forming the bilayer of cell membranes.

What are proteins made of?

Chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

What is the function of enzymes?

To act as catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions.

What happens to proteins when they are denatured?

They lose their shape and function due to external stresses such as heat or pH changes.

What is a peptide bond?

The bond that forms between two amino acids during a dehydration reaction.

Name an example of a functional group. What is it?

A hydroxyl group (-OH), which is polar and can form hydrogen bonds.

What is an isomer?

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.

How do lipids differ from carbohydrates and proteins?

Lipids are not composed of monomers and do not form polymers in a traditional sense.

Why are high fructose corn syrups used in foods?

They are cheaper and sweeter than sucrose.

What is the structure of glucose?

C6H12O6, a simple sugar and primary energy source.